New Delhi – The national capital woke up today to a hazy, dust-laden morning that blanketed large parts of the city under a thick layer of particulate matter. As residents rubbed their eyes and squinted through the smog, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for thunderstorms and lightning activity, expected to occur over the next 48 hours.
With daytime temperatures soaring near 40°C, Delhi is facing a dual challenge: heat stress and poor air quality, both of which are impacting health, mobility, and daily routines across the National Capital Region (NCR).
🌡️ Temperature Update: Scorching Heat Prevails
Delhi’s weather today is characterized by:
- Maximum Temperature: Around 40°C
- Minimum Temperature: Around 30°C
- Humidity Levels: Hovering around 40–45%
- Wind Speed: Light to moderate, 8–15 km/h, increasing during dust storm activity
According to the IMD, these temperatures are 3–4 degrees Celsius above normal for mid-May and are expected to remain high until the expected rain spell this weekend.
🌬️ Dust Storm Blankets Delhi-NCR
Around 9 AM, a sudden dust storm swept across several parts of Delhi, reducing visibility to below 1,500 meters in many areas such as:
- India Gate & Kartavya Path
- Connaught Place
- IGI Airport vicinity
- Noida Sector 62
- Gurugram Cyber City
Visuals from across the capital showed roads covered in a grayish haze, leaving commuters struggling with reduced visibility, increased eye irritation, and breathing difficulties.
“We advise people, especially those with asthma or respiratory illnesses, to avoid stepping out in these conditions,” said Dr. N.C. Kapoor, pulmonologist at AIIMS.
🏭 AQI Worsens to ‘Poor’ Category
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi worsened due to the dust storm, with PM10 levels spiking across major monitoring stations:
- Anand Vihar: AQI 278 (Poor)
- RK Puram: AQI 261 (Poor)
- Punjabi Bagh: AQI 246 (Poor)
- IGI Airport: AQI 250 (Poor)
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has urged citizens to wear masks, keep windows shut, and avoid jogging or outdoor activity, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
⚡ IMD Forecast: Thunderstorms & Rain on the Way
Relief may be on the horizon. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the next two days, forecasting:
- Thunderstorms with gusty winds (30–40 km/h) on May 16–17
- Scattered rainfall over NCR, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Noida
- Drop in temperature by 2–3°C post showers
“Rain and thunder activity will help settle the dust and lower temperatures slightly. However, full relief may only come by early June,” said Dr. Soma Sen, weather scientist at IMD.
🚦 Traffic & Flight Impact
Due to dust and low visibility, traffic movement across Delhi-NCR witnessed several snarls, especially on:
- NH-48 (Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway)
- Delhi-Noida DND Flyway
- Outer Ring Road
Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory asking people to:
- Turn on fog lights while driving
- Avoid high-speed driving
- Maintain extra distance from vehicles
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, no major delays were reported, but some domestic flights reported minor hold-ups due to poor visibility during takeoff.
📢 Delhi Government’s Response
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai convened an emergency meeting with pollution control officials, urging immediate dust control measures:
- Sprinkling water on major arterial roads
- Deployment of anti-smog guns at key junctions
- Inspection of construction sites for dust violations
“We will not tolerate environmental negligence during this dust episode. Penalties will be imposed if norms are flouted,” Rai stated.
🧼 Health Tips for Citizens
Doctors across Delhi are advising residents to take extra precautions, especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
✅ Do’s:
- Wear N95 masks while stepping out
- Use saline drops to avoid eye irritation
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Stay indoors between 12 PM to 4 PM
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t exercise outdoors
- Don’t open windows until air clears
- Avoid dusty roads and construction zones
🗓️ Upcoming 10-Day Weather Forecast for Delhi
| Date | Forecast | Max Temp (°C) | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15 | Dust storm, cloudy skies | 40 | 10% |
| May 16 | Thunderstorm, gusty winds | 38 | 60% |
| May 17 | Isolated rain, cloudy | 37 | 50% |
| May 18 | Partly cloudy | 38 | 20% |
| May 19 | Sunny, hot | 40 | 0% |
| May 20 | Sunny | 41 | 0% |
| May 21 | Clear skies | 41 | 0% |
| May 22 | Possible heatwave conditions | 42 | 0% |
| May 23 | Heatwave | 43 | 0% |
| May 24 | Chance of thunder in late evening | 41 | 30% |
Note: Forecasts may change based on cyclone activity in Bay of Bengal (Cyclone Shakti)
With soaring temperatures, dust storms, and poor air quality, Delhi is in the grip of classic pre-monsoon weather extremes. While temporary relief may arrive with thunderstorms in the coming days, residents must take active measures to protect their health and safety.